Here is a good source on 9/11 and post-traumatic stress syndrome:
ncptsd.org
Some symptoms to watch for:
Emotional reactions: temporary (i.e., for several days or a couple of weeks) feelings of shock, fear, grief, anger, resentment, guilt, shame, helplessness, hopelessness, or emotional numbness (difficulty feeling love and intimacy or difficulty taking interest and pleasure in day-to-day activities)
Cognitive reactions: confusion, disorientation, indecisiveness, worry, shortened attention span, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, unwanted memories, self-blame
Physical reactions: tension, fatigue, edginess, difficulty sleeping, bodily aches or pain, startling easily, racing heartbeat, nausea, change in appetite, change in sex drive
Interpersonal reactions in relationships at school, work, in friendships, in marriage, or as a parent: distrust; irritability; conflict; withdrawal; isolation; feeling rejected or abandoned; being distant, judgmental, or over-controlling
Most disaster survivors only experience mild, normal stress reactions, and disaster experiences may even promote personal growth and strengthen relationships. However, as many as one out of every three disaster survivors experience some or all of the following severe stress symptoms, which may lead to lasting Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, or depression:
Dissociation (feeling completely unreal or outside yourself, like in a dream; having "blank" periods of time you cannot remember)
Intrusive reexperiencing (terrifying memories, nightmares, or flashbacks)
Extreme attempts to avoid disturbing memories (such as through substance use)
Extreme emotional numbing (completely unable to feel emotion, as if empty)
Hyper-arousal (panic attacks, rage, extreme irritability, intense agitation)
Severe anxiety (paralyzing worry, extreme helplessness, compulsions or obsessions)
Severe depression (complete loss of hope, self-worth, motivation, or purpose in life) |
